NSW Government and NRL inject $2 Million into grassroots Rugby League

The ‘NSW Footy Facilities Fund’ will see the NSW Government and the NRL invest $1 million each into a funding program to support junior and senior Rugby League clubs upgrade or build new facilities.

$2 Million invested in grassroots Rugby league

The funding program, introduced by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith, is the largest ever grassroots grant program in the history of Rugby League. The grants are set to provide local RL clubs with necessary funding support to provide items such as new seating, goal posts, canteens, lights, fields, fencing, drainage, dressing rooms or storage facilities.

Mr O’Farrell said, “This is an investment which makes sense because it’s absolutely vital people of all ages keep active and it will be a great incentive by ensuring their facilities are up to scratch,” he said.

To secure a grant from the joint investment fund, local Rugby League clubs must be able to match the grant through their own financial contribution, including obtaining some support from the council if the facilities are on council land.

Clubs are encouraged to download the grant guidelines to ensure their applications meet the objectives of the program, which include:

increased regular and on-going participation opportunities in Rugby League in a safe and sustainable manner; and

improving the standard of Rugby League grounds and facilities for participation, safety and social benefits.

Mr Smith said the NRL and the NSW Government have worked together to deliver an effective program that will improve the standard of Rugby League grounds and facilities and deliver participation, safety and social benefits to local NSW communities.

“This grant program will also help deliver social and economic outcomes for many communities across the state, from Wagga Wagga to Wollondilly, Ballina to Broken Hill, by creating jobs and building community facilities”, Mr Smith said.